The Council of Governors (COG) led by its Chairperson Ann Waiguru has told off Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for claiming the government had disbursed Ksh10 billion to county governments for El Nino preparedness.
In a statement on Wednesday, November 22, the COG insisted that no county had received such funds adding that in addition, counties were owed a total of Kshs62.58 billion from the equitable share.
At the same time, Waiguru indicated that the remarks made by Gachagua were against the spirit of cooperative and collaborative Governments as envisioned under the Constitution.
“To date, we wish to state that the County Governments have not received any allocation from the National Government to go towards mitigation measures.
“We note with concern public utterances that suggest that County Governments have received funds from the National Government to support the mitigation of the devastating impact of the El Nino Rain,” Waiguru stated.
Also Read: Gachagua Accused of Peddling Lies Over Ksh10B Funds
Waiguru Details Amount Owed to County Governments
Further, the COG chair explained that 13 counties were owed Ksh10.17 billion for the month of September, while 27 counties were owed Ksh19.64 billion for the month of October.
Additionally, she indicated that all counties were owed, Ksh32.76 billion for the month of November, aside from the amount the DP was referring to.
At the same time, the governor called on both the National and County governments to intensify El Nino management strategies.
“In such times we call upon the two levels of Government to come together in order to intensify response strategies to mitigate against the complex risks arising from the heavy rains and flooding,” Waiguru added.
Also Read: Weatherman Lists Areas to Expect Storms as El Nino Intensifies
Gachagua’s Earlier Response to the Governors
Earlier, Gachagua changed tune stating that there were no such funds that would come from the national government.
Additionally, the deputy president stated that he was misquoted on the matter adding that the county bosses ought to use funds that were already within their provision for emergencies.
“We are shocked to see governors complaining that they are yet to receive money for El Nino from the national government.
“Such money is not forthcoming. We expect them to use emergency money within their financial provision,” he stated.
Gachagua and Governor Nassir Hit at Each Other
Earlier on Tuesday, November 21, Gachagua and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir hit out at each other after the DP accused him of failing to support families affected by the ongoing heavy rains.
According to Gachagua, Nassir was not proactive enough and was waiting for help from other counties including Nairobi instead of making use of the funds he had received.
“The National Government has tried to buy food for the flood victims, but we also want the county of Mombasa, Governor Nassir to release the funds to buy food for Mombasa residents.
“Mombasa is the only county that has a problem, the only county government that has not released funds to buy food for the flood victims. I am a truthful man,” stated Gachagua.
However, the governor refuted the claims of receiving any funds calling Gachagua a liar.
“I am also praying to God that that money comes. But the truth will always come out. There is not even a single cent that has been disbursed to Mombasa County,” he stated.
